A relationship with a companion animal can be one of the most rewarding
experiences we encounter in our lifetimes. If you are a pet parent for the first
time, or if you just want to do more to improve your pet kid’s quality of life,
this month’s episode of Pet Talk was made just for you.

In this video, Dr. Sarah reveals the top five do-it-yourself tasks to ensure
the health, longevity and happiness of dogs and cats. Our staff veterinarian
covers record-keeping, grooming, dental care, nail trimming and even evidence
collection (you’ll see). Given that dogs and cats are living longer than ever
before, these are definitely things you should add to your regular routine.
Plus, you’ll be setting a fantastic example for your pet-friendly friends!

Be sure to check out the two tutorials referenced in this month’s episode …

Think back to when you chose which dog to share your life with … did grooming requirements weigh heavily on your decision-making? Chances are, probably not. It’s important that you have some understanding of your dog’s grooming needs from the get-go. You don’t want to wait until she’s uncomfortable or you are frustrated before acting. Some pet parents postpone grooming duties until the coat builds up foul odors, or when shedding is so prevalent that dog-hair tumbleweeds are rolling across the floor. But, with the helpful information provided in this short video, that’s all about to change. With assistance from her beautiful, blond assistant, Alma, Dr. Sarah offers a concise review of the basics of home grooming.

No
one likes a bad hair day … and that includes your dog. Just like with humans,
the skin is the largest organ of a dog’s body. Every day, their skin and
coats are exposed to UV rays, pollution, infectious agents, drying heat
or wind. Because it can contribute to a dog’s overall health, grooming should
be an essential part of companion animal care. However, despite your best
intentions, it’s not unusual for grooming habits to hit a glitch. Or two.
Or three! While bathing a dog, I think all of us have experienced getting
wetter than your dog, being interrupted by phone calls, or, worst of all,
a sudsy canine tearing off, leaving a wet, sudsy trail behind him. As a
veterinarian with a good deal of grooming experience, I can tell you that
planning ahead can reduce unwanted problems and stress, so here are a handful
of my best tips.

BEFORE THE GROOMING SESSION

Unfortunately, bathing can be stressful for some dogs, as some just tolerate
it better than others. For those pups who are particularly skiddish, consider
brewing some chamomile tea to calm your dog. Thirty minutes before you bathe,
give your dog a cooled cup of chamomile tea with honey, followed by a dog
treat that’s rich in carbohydrates, like our
Antioxidant Health Bars. The carbohydrates will help deliver the calming
tea straight to your dog’s brain. Better yet, you can both sit down with
some tea and play soothing music, to set a calming tone for your upcoming
grooming session. You can also give your dog tea during the grooming session.
As we’ve already mentioned, just make sure the tea has cooled off (no hotter
than room temperature). More...